Vibha, have you always wanted to be an artist?
I have always been creative and intrigued by colours and art. To further my interest, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, specializing in Applied Arts. I started making art professionally only a few years ago, as I found the urge to connect and communicate with myself and my surroundings. Art has helped me to unravel my emotions and desires. Hence, I can confidently say that art has empowered me to connect outwardly and more importantly inwardly as well.
Your art can be described as abstract; has this always been your style of choice and if so why?
As a child, I always argued why most kids’ art looked the same. I wanted to draw differently. I had my own ideas. I wanted to show details- every leaf on a tree. So growing up my art was more realistic. But slowly I started to develop a love for the ‘unusual’ and developed an inclination towards abstraction. My compositions are an unexpected relationship of shapes, forms and colour medley. I want my viewers to connect to my art and understand its story.
How would you describe your creative process?
Chaotic and wild; lots of ideas put together onto one canvas. My artworks tend to get very busy; it’s like a journey into the unknown. There’s always something new to explore, a saga of space and emotions portrayed with integrity and intensity. Each canvas is a brand new start –a new story.
Where do you seek inspiration?
I observe my surroundings, collect visual references to shapes and colours. Also all the talented artists I regularly visit the work of. Approaching life from a creative angle allows for new and interesting possibilities. I am inclined to abstract works that sometimes have no significant meaning, an exciting composition. Other works with a much deeper meaning and thought process and storytelling. Each work can be interpreted differently but I feel it’s important to study the work from the artist’s point of view.
Nature has played a huge role on my artistic endeavour. As humans, we have a natural tendency to respond to things that move us, forcing us to create. Seeing nature and how it interacts with not only us but the universe around it inspires me, everyone responds to nature uniquely.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I’m an explorer. The nature of my art is that throughout its creation the work is under constant flux. I’m constantly negotiating between ideas, planning and thinking my colour schemes. The whole creative process is thoroughly involved and chaotic. I go through lots of conflicting emotions. That’s when it’s important to step back and trust my instincts. Rejuvenate with a fresh gaze as the painting reveals itself. It’s time to then enjoy it or through something into it that disrupts it and changed it direction.
The whole process of painting is what completes me as an artist.
Which artists, living or deceased most inspire/influence your work?
I have always admired the simplicity of Piet Mondrian and mesmerizing Op art of Victor Vasarely and Bridget Riley. I like Van Gogh’s style- textural brushstrokes.
I also admire the works of many living artists and take inspiration from their work.
Do you like to listen to music when you create, if so what sort of music do you listen to?
All sorts. Depending on my mood and the stage I’m in my work. And then at times, I like it all quiet and peaceful to work on the details.
If you had one piece of advice for someone seeking a career in art what would it be?
Explore your surroundings, paint every day, and go with your gut feeling. This is what I do and it has worked for me.
If you had a dinner party and could invite 3 guests, living or deceased who would they be and why?
Vincent Van Gogh, Wassily Kandinsky and Bridget Rylie.
How wonderful would it be to listen to Van Gogh’s life experiences at a dinner table?
Kandinsky’s concepts on shape, form and colour.
Bridget Rylie’s ideas on stimulating her viewer’s imagination.
What does the future look like for you?
I live in the present and follow my passion.
I see a brighter future. A simple life as an artist creating what I love the most.
